BEACH users and racehorse trainers have an opportunity to voice their opinion on the way beaches can be used in the south-west.
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The public are being encouraged to have their say on the development of a coastal management plan (CMP) for Belfast Coastal Reserve.
Community consultation is now under way and the CMP supports the state government’s work to manage the reserve – a 17-kilometre stretch of coastal land between Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio invited the community to submit their thoughts and opinion on the plan.
“We want the local community to help us develop a coastal management plan that balances the diversity of values and views surrounding the Belfast Coastal Reserve,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“I encourage everyone who feels strongly about this issue to take this opportunity to shape how this much loved coastal area should be managed into the future.”
The need for a CMP was highlighted last year with heightened community concerns about commercial horse training on the reserve’s beaches.
The state government said it would provide a long-term vision for managing the area and would reflect community values and needs – underpinned by the principles of environmental protection, cultural heritage and public safety.
Its development will be led by Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, supported by a comprehensive program of community consultation throughout the first of half of 2017.
The first stage of consultation throughout January and February will include workshops with land managers Parks Victoria, Warrnambool City Council and the Moyne Shire Council. This phase also includes preliminary conversations with traditional owners, environmental groups and the racing industry.
A second phase of engagement from February to June will involve other interest groups and the broader community, and invite contributions to gather local knowledge, ideas, issues and opportunities for managing Belfast Coastal Reserve.
The outcomes of the consultation will contribute to the development of a draft CMP in late 2017, which will be shared with stakeholders and the community.
To have your say on the issue visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/belfastcoast